Highland councillors urged to give go-ahead to Inverness housing development
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Councillors are being asked to approve plans for a new housing development in the Drakies area of Inverness.
Planning permission in principle was in fact already given by Scottish ministers for the development – of 24 new homes and associated infrastructure by Drakies House, off Culcabock Avenue – in October 2021.
Developers Springfield Properties, however, had been asked to meet a number of conditions addressing issues before beginning construction, including on site layout, drainage, access, waste management, parking and greenspace provision.
Members of Highland Council's south planning applications committee will be told on Tuesday that all matters have been addressed and no major causes of concern noted by planners.
"The application will deliver 24 new homes on a site where the principle of development has been established," the report states.
There was unhappiness at an initial "phase one" proposal for 12 homes to be built near Drakies House, as part of which a new footpath to run along the western boundary of the development was proposed.
This would have completed an active travel link between Thistle Road and Old Perth Road via Culcabock Avenue.
Developers Springfield Properties later dropped this proposal, however, after fierce local opposition.
Culcabock and Drakies Community Council said the proposed path would represent a road safety hazard and increase noise, vandalism and social discord in the Inverness housing development.
Phase 2 of the development, the matter going before councillors next week, will see the development of 16 detached homes and two four-in-a-block sets of flats.
Planners said: "Opportunities exist to connect Phase 1 with Phase 2 and provide an active travel connection through to the B9006 (Old Perth Road) albeit this will be dependent upon future decisions in respect of Drakies House.
"The plans do secure the potential, by taking footpaths directly to the boundary of Drakies House, but could be further improved."
A previous report stated there was some uncertainty over the future of Drakies House. If it is sold as a private home, a footpath would not be possible, planners pointed out.
Overall, however, they added: "The applicant has demonstrated that the site constraints have been effectively managed and an appropriate layout and design of the development can be achieved.
"All relevant matters have been taken into account when appraising this application.
"It is considered that the proposal accords with the principles and policies contained within the Development Plan and is acceptable in terms of all other applicable material considerations."
